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Non-accidental injury inflicted on a child with an air weapon
G L Campbell-Hewson1, A D'Amore, A Busuttil
1Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.
Insights
This case report details an infant non-accidental injury from an air pistol, a novel form of child abuse. The infant sustained a forehead injury from a pellet, requiring surgical removal and resulting in an uncomplicated recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Trauma
- Forensic Medicine
- Child Abuse
Background:
- Non-accidental injuries in infants pose significant diagnostic challenges.
- Air weapon injuries are uncommon but can cause severe trauma.
- This case represents a unique presentation of child abuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first documented case of infant injury from an air pistol.
- To highlight the potential for air weapons in child abuse.
- To discuss the forensic and clinical implications.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a two-month-old infant with a forehead injury.
- Description of the injury mechanism involving a .177 air pistol.
- Review of literature on air weapon injuries and child abuse.
Main Results:
- An air pistol pellet penetrated the infant's forehead, lodging near the sagittal sinus.
- The pellet was successfully removed surgically under general anesthesia.
- The infant experienced an uncomplicated recovery.
Conclusions:
- Air pistols can be used as weapons in severe child abuse cases.
- Accurate history taking and clinical suspicion are crucial for diagnosing non-accidental injuries.
- This case underscores the need for awareness of diverse child abuse methods.
Abstract:
A case of non-accidental injury to an infant caused by the discharge of an air pistol is presented, the first such case to be reported. A two-month-old baby was shot at close range by his father with a .177 air pistol. A false account of the cause of the injury was given by the father and initially supported by the mother. The pellet penetrated the skin in the centre of the child's forehead and lodged in the anterior wall of the sagittal sinus. It was removed under general anaesthetic and the child made an uncomplicated recovery. The father was subsequently convicted and jailed for the assault. The relevant literature on air weapon injuries and bizarre forms of child abuse is discussed.